GB2471279A

GB2471279A - Protective enclosure for battery charger

Info

Publication number: GB2471279A
Application number: GB0910733A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Derek William Rice
Original assignee: ELECTROFIT ZAPI Ltd
Current assignee: ELECTROFIT ZAPI Ltd
Priority date: 2009-06-22
Filing date: 2009-06-22
Publication date: 2010-12-29
Also published as: GB0910733D0

Abstract

A robust metal enclosure is designed to protect high frequency chargers against mechanical impact, whilst containing suitably engineered ventilation slots to provide adequate air cooling (Figure 3, page 1) necessary for the correct functioning of the charger. Air is drawn into the box through ventilation slots 'a' and exhausted through ventilation slots ' b' and 'c'. For ease of installation, maintenance and servicing, external connections are provided for AC mains voltage input plug ('a', Figure 5, page 2) and battery charger DC output voltage ('b', Figure 5 page 2). A surface mounted indicator can be provided 'e', Figure 5, page 2) to show charging status. A mains isolator provides a mechanical connection to the charger isolator switch ('c', Figure 5, page 2). A cable retainer is provided at the rear of the enclosure to reduce the risk of damage to cables when not in use (Fig 4, page 1). The retainer also includes simple fixing points for wall mounting. The enclosure is manufactured in different sizes to accommodate a range of high frequency chargers.

Description

Protective Endosure for High Frequency Battery Chargers

Background

This invention relates to a robust protective high frequency battery charger enclosure with ventilation, cable protection, external connections switches and indicators When high frequency battery chargers are instaed at industrial sites or in domestic environments, they are prone to damage through impact, water ingression, tampering or vandalism. Output cables can become damaged, exposing live conductors. If a high frequency charger is tampered with, incorrect charging of the battery could occur. When a charger case is damaged, or cable insulation compromised, there is an increased risk of electric shock and equipment damage. During routine maintenance or servicing, a qualified electrician may be required to disconnect the charger, which can be costly and time consuming.

Statement of invention

To overcome these problems, the current invention comprises a metal enclosure, which protects the charger against impact damage, whilst including ventilation slots to meet the cooling requirements of the forced air cooling of high frequency chargers, the provision of remote case mounted input and output switches and connectors, enables simple operational activities, and allows for a simple and quick disconnection by suitably trained nontechnical personnel, output cables are protected from insulation damage by the inclusion of cable retainers, and protection is provided up to 1P54.

Advantages The enclosure provides protection to the high frequency battery charger and simplifies installation and maintenance, though: Robust metal case protecting against impact damage and water ingression, with ventilation slots provide correct airflow for adequate cooling.

Enclosures include a rear mounted cable holder to minimise accidental damage.

External power connections result in a simpler and safer disconnection of mains electrical supply and DC output voltage, without the need for the qualified electrical engineer.

Protective Endosure for High Frequency Battery Chargers

Introduction to Drawings

An example of the invention is supported with reference to the accompanying drawings: Figures 1 & 2 on page 1, show the front and rear view of the endosure.

Figure 3 on page 1, shows the air intake and exhaust for cooling purposes Figure 4 on page 1, shows the rear cable retainer.

Figure 5 on page 2 shows the e'ectrical connections, indicators and controls.

Figure 6 on page 3 shows the side view of the enclosure.

Figure 7, page 3, shows the rear view of the back plate.

Figure 8, page 3, shows the side view of the back plate.

Figure 9, page 3 shows the bottom view of the enclosure.

Detai'ed Description

The enclosure is made from metal to form a box construction. The high frequency battery charger is then mounted onto fixing pilars, ref figure 7, page 3, which are mounted to the rear plate. Internal electrical connections are made to the external indicators and input & output electrical connection points, ref a' & b',figure 5, page 2, and a plastic window inserted in the front panel to provide for visua' inspections, ref figure 5, page 2, point e'.

The enclosure provides mechanical protection and sealing to 1P54 and limits access to parameter changing controls, which remain inside the enclosure. Power input and output connections, iso'ation switches and indicators are fitted externally.

During the charging cycle air is drawn though the inlet vents and exhausted via the outlet vents, which are designed for optimal airflow for correct cooling of the charger, ref figure 3, page 4. The airflow is generated by internal cooling fans already fitted inside the high frequency battery charger.

Specification

This invention relates to the mechanic protection and remote operation of high frequency battery chargers and the simplification of instaation process and maintenance work.

High frequency battery chargers are light and efficient products designed to charge large traction batteries found mainly within industrial locations, but also in domestic environments. Usually wall mounted, the chargers can become easily damaged through mechanical impact and are open to tampering and misuse, often resulting in expensive production downtime, additional risk to health through electric shock and expensive installation costs.

Conventional enclosures may afford mechanical protection, but do not incorporate ventilation, which is necessary for normal operation, and may obscure details relating to the status of the charger and battery during the charging cycle.

Figure 3, page 1 shows the air intake and air exhaust ventilation slots, air is drawn up through points a', figure 3 in the base and either side of the enclosure, and is exhausted via slot b' and ventilation points c figure 3.

To save the engineering costs of permanent installation and future disconnection, mains AC voltage is supplied via an input connection from an industrial socket to the plug, figure 5 point a', page 2 (also figure 9 page 3) and battery charger connection (DC output) is provided via industrial plug b', figure 5, page 2 (also figure 9, b', page 3).

Isolation of the charger is through the operation of switch c', figure 5, page 2, with indication of the charge cycle displayed via an optional indicator d', figure 5, page 2 and visual inspection can be via window e' shown in figure 5, page 2.

Claims

Protective Endosure for High Frequency Battery Chargers Cams 1. Robust metal endosure designed to protect against impact damage, which is constructed to provide suitable ventilation for fan cooled high frequency battery chargers.
2. Robust metal enclosure according to claim 1, in which electrical input and output connections fitted externally to allow safe and simplified installation and maintenance.
3. Robust metal enclosure according to claim 1, to which external indicators are fitted for visual monitoring of stages of battery charging process.
4. Robust metal enclosure according to claim 1, with an inspection window to monitor high frequency battery charger status indicators or displays.
5. Robust metal enclosure according to claim 1, with protection to safeguard against water ingression up to 1P54,
6. Robust metal enclosure according to claim 1, fitted with a rear mounted cable retainer to reduce the risk of damage to output cables whilst not in use.
7. Robust metal enclosure according to claim 1, with internal mounting pillars for correct mounting of high frequency chargers.
8. Robust metal case according to claim 1, produced in alternative sizes to suit different models.